The star-studded series Best Interests has left viewers in tears after landing on Netflix, quickly climbing the platform's Top 10 chart. The harrowing miniseries, originally aired on BBC One in June 2023, stars Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen as a married couple with a teenage daughter, Marnie (Niamh Moriarty), who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy. When she ends up in intensive care, Marnie's doctor questions whether her treatment should continue, forcing her parents to fight for her welfare.
Award-Winning Drama Inspires Emotional Response
The series won Best Limited Series at the Banff Rockie Awards and was nominated for several others. When it originally aired, Sheen admitted to The Guardian: “I’m more nervous than usual. I know it’s going to be a difficult watch.” While not based on a single true story, it was inspired by real-life challenges. Hollie Dance, mother of Archie Battersbee—who had his hospital life-support treatment withdrawn in August 2022—praised the show for highlighting the situation some parents face. She told Radio Times: “It is important it's highlighted. Because unless you go through this it's impossible to understand what the parents are going through.”
Viewers Share Heartbreaking Reactions
Viewers have called the series “terrific and powerful.” One IMDb reviewer wrote: “I'll start by saying this is a very tough watch... This is the BBC at its best, this is an outstanding drama... It's evenly paced, sincere and perfectly believable.” Another commented: “A powerful and heartbreaking drama, the only reason I could advise against seeing it is that it might break your heart. Michael Sheen is simply superlative, his performance is devastating.” A third fan called it “a moving drama about a heart-rending dilemma,” adding: “It's emotional and raw and entirely convincing, not the easiest watch but an essential one not to be overlooked.”
Background and Creative Inspiration
Writer Jack Thorne said it “didn't feel appropriate” to base the series on a specific real-life story, as it would be “too intrusive.” Archie Battersbee was found unconscious in April 2022, suffered severe brain injuries, and never regained consciousness. His parents battled the hospital's decision to end life support. Best Interests is now streaming on Netflix.
